Marriage Amendment Initiative About the Initiative: Materials (USCCB) Marriage: Unique for a Reason:  http://www.marriageuniqueforareason.org/       Frequently asked questions:  http://www.usccb.org/issues-and- action/marriage-and- family/marriage/promotion-and-defense-of- marriage/frequently-asked-questions-on- defense-of-marriage.cfm MN Amendment Resource Page:  http://mncc.org/issues/marriage/      MCC Unique for a Reason: Why Marriage Matters blog: http://marriagematters.mncc.org/ Homily Help World Marriage Day Homily Helps World Marriage Day  Homily Assistance MCC Talking Points Upcoming Events: In 2011, the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC) and other groups lobbied the state legislature successfully to have a constitutional amendment placed on the November 2012 state ballot that declares: “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota.” This amendment preserves current state law and prevents the vital institution of civil marriage in Minnesota from being redefined by either politicians or the courts in the future. The Minnesota bishops promote this state marriage protection amendment because of the many attempts in both the courts and the legislature that have been made over the years to redefine traditional marriage; As the Minnesota Catholic Bishop’s remind us, “Marriage is a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman in an enduring bond of love. God’s word in divine revelation declares that marriage is a union ordered to both the mutual good of the spouses and to the procreation and raining of children.” Thus, we as the Catholic faithful have a moral obligation to defend and promote the dignity of Marriage at this crucial time in the state of Minnesota. The Diocese of Crookston is seeking to assure that these days leading up to the 2012 November ballot are taken advantage of as a holy invitation by providing opportunities to seek and to find the meaning of marriage according to God’s plan through prayer and instruction. We invite you to join us in this time, to come to know better the Catholic understanding of marriage and the importance of marriage to society and the common good. Download a Prayer Card to all of those who have supported the MN Marriage Protection Amendment through prayer and financial gift, particularly by way of the Diocesan Second Collection on April 14^th and 15^th. If you have not yet had an opportunity to donate, please to do so online at: Click Here to Make a Donation Thank you Download an Event Flier: “Unique for a Reason: Why the Catholic Church Is Definding Marriage” April 13, 2012 Diocesan Theology of the Body Conference July 13^th & 14^th, 2012 An Introduction of Blessed Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, featuring Christopher West will take place on Friday, July 13 with a Seminar for Priests, Deacons & Religious and on Saturday, July 14^th an open diocesan conference day for all to attend.  Sponsored by Bishop Michael Hoeppner and the Diocese of Crookston - This conference will examine Blessed Pope John Paul II’s teaching on human love in the divine plan. This presentation will highlight the role of the Theology of the Body in understanding the Minnesota Marriage Protection Amendment. Please see the following link for more information and online registration: www.crookston.org/TOB